Delegate means to trust others.  Let’s explore and explode some of the biggest myths about delegatee.

• Myth:  It would have been easier to do it myself.  Reality: Not if you gave it to the right person and explained it properly. Besides, if you try to do everything yourself, you stunt your creative growth and the growth of others too
• Myth: It won’t get done right (i.e. done to your high standards). Reality: There is right and then there is different. You would be surprised what some people can do, if you give them a chance. Maybe they will have a fres approach or an innovative breakthrough you never would have considered. Your way is not the only way. Let it go.
• Myth: Nobody can do it but me. Reality. That is what you think. Nobody is indispensable, and if you think doing everything makes you so, you are wrong. It makes you tired, it makes you cranky, it eventually makes you sloppy. It makes people want to find a replacement for you.
• Myth: People will hate me if I dump things on them. Reality: First of all, don’t dump. Teach, guide, encourage. People want to contribute, to be part of something, to feel needed, to learn. You learn and grow by helping someone else develop. By giving them work and a chance to learn from you. You also gain a disciple who will help you get through the everyday stuff.
• Myth: I must do it all, or people will think I am lazy or incompetent. Reality:  It is not a sign of weakness to be unable to do it all yourself. It is a sign of intelligence. When you value your time, others will too.
• Myth: If I enjoy doing it, I should keep it for myself.  Reality: You may be ignoring high payoff tasks by continuing to do little fun tasks of no real consequence. The fact is, we all enjoy the sense of acccomplishment a mindless, familiar, easy to complete task can produce. In the long run, however, you are spending time you can’t afford.

I have to admit that delegating is one of my weaker areas. I took a good, hard look at why I am reluctant to give away control. I realized that my story i told myself unconsciously was ‘if it is to be, it is up to me.

ACTION TIME

Make a list of all the things you do in a typical day. Then objectively look at your list and determine

How many of the things I did today should have been delegated to someone else?

Why do I choose to do it all myself? What can I do to overcome this cycle?